Results 1 to 16 of 16
Thread: My rant on things digital...
-
August 18, 2017, 02:40 PM #1
- Join Date
- Jun 2013
- Posts
- 1,068
My rant on things digital...
<RANT>
OK, so I think my Audio Research DAC8 is the weak link in my current system, so I've been contemplating going to a steamer for
1) simplicity, it will reduce rack space and remove the computer from the room. I can also get rid of an entire rack and just move my Triton v3 to a purpose built shelf beside the racks.
2) I love the idea of easily connecting up to a streaming service like Tidal to explore new music.
3) Roon, which at first glance is an improvement over my computer/JRiver interface.
So... I spent some time the last few days listening to my digital source. Great recordings like those from Chesky sound pretty f-ing amazing currently—sure, I think there's more resolution to be had than the DAC8 provides. I put together a playlist of some old favorites and WHAM, once I leave 'audiophile' recordings and start playing other tracks I am beat over the head with differing sound levels, (thank you loudness wars). Now I'm reaching for the remote for this track, then the next, trying to spare my ears from damage. Then in creeps 'digital' edginess and fatigue, in many cases it is just the recording to be sure. For these reasons I built up my vinyl rig and have tended towards spinning the black disks.
Some digital music sounds amazing, some sounds like crap. Yeah, vinyl too has those stinker albums, but seems somewhat more consistent (maybe it is just the new vinyl I've been selecting lately.)
</RANT>
How does everyone else in the digital world deal with the amazing difference in volume levels?
-
August 18, 2017, 02:44 PM #2
Re: My rant on things digital...
Since my speaker replacement I do love my digital system again.
That said, I love fiddling with the cumbersome black discs and collecting them. Currently having an absolute analogue gem on the platter, so I'm torn.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
-
August 18, 2017, 03:55 PM #3
Re: My rant on things digital...
Bob,
Use volume levelling in Roon
https://kb.roonlabs.com/Volume_Leveling
Regards2 Channel Stereo :
Custom Win10 Transport | Mutec MC-3+ USB | Lampizator Amber | Acoustic Portrait Thiyaga | ATC SCM20PSL + JL Audio E-Sub e110
-
August 18, 2017, 04:13 PM #4
- Join Date
- Jun 2013
- Posts
- 1,068
-
August 18, 2017, 04:54 PM #5
- Join Date
- Jan 2014
- Location
- Los Angeles
- Posts
- 1,775
Re: My rant on things digital...
I can confirm MSB works very well with Audio Research - do you have a local dealer to help out?
I am going through digital upgrades right now and share your frustration - I have decided that Roon streaming with an ethernet-based network renderer is what I am going to do. Seems MQA is rather hit or miss at this point so I am not going to focus on it.Brinkmann Bardo w/ EMT HSD-006 cart, MSB Reference DAC --> Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL --> Ampzilla 2000, 2nd Edition --> Fyne Audio F1-12
-
August 18, 2017, 05:15 PM #6
Re: My rant on things digital...
Bob - I can totally relate to your frustrations - many can. If your ears are trained on vinyl and tape, then harsh digital recordings will irritate.
I have found the Lumin A1 most like tape/analog. The Berk REF2 is also very easy on the ears.
But I concur, so digital is just ruthlessly revealing.
I had 5 guys (no burgers or fries...ok, bad joke) over this afternoon at the store. They all agreed that pure MQA is really easy to listen to, even old albums now done in MQA from the Doors and others. Three hours later they left! LOL.
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
August 18, 2017, 05:37 PM #7
Re: My rant on things digital...
Rob
__________________________
Tascam BR-20; Technics 1506 with tape path upgrades, FM head, DeHavilland 222 tape head pre; Modwright Oppo 205 full tube mod w/LPS; Euphony Summus server, EtherRegen, HDPLEX LPS; MSB Discrete DAC (dual PS, ISLPro, balanced out); Pass Labs XP-12, XA60.8 (pair); Daedalus Audio Apollo 11’s, VMPS Larger Sub; Daedalus/Wywires, Acoustic Zen, Sablon Audio, Wireworld, Shunyata Research cables; Core Power Equi=Power;
Adona rack, Stillpoints, IsoPods, ASC, GIK Acoustics accessories
-
August 18, 2017, 06:09 PM #8
- Join Date
- May 2016
- Posts
- 58
-
August 18, 2017, 06:59 PM #9
Re: My rant on things digital...
2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)
-
August 18, 2017, 07:23 PM #10
Re: My rant on things digital...
Yes I also prefer to leave things untouched but volume leveling can help and is pretty sophisticated even in JRiver which offers a further fine control called Adaptive Volume. All material does become quieter so you will have to adjust the volume control on your preamp to suit your preference. I would say it's useful for casual listening when you have multiple albums cued up or playlists with different songs lined up.
It is completely in the digital domain - clicking on the Signal Path icon in Roon will show you that it is done in the DSP Engine.2 Channel Stereo :
Custom Win10 Transport | Mutec MC-3+ USB | Lampizator Amber | Acoustic Portrait Thiyaga | ATC SCM20PSL + JL Audio E-Sub e110
-
August 21, 2017, 11:14 AM #11
- Join Date
- Nov 2013
- Location
- Minnesota
- Posts
- 1,369
Re: My rant on things digital...
I can relate do digital harshness and fatigue. I use to be a detail freak and have since given up on extreme detail and resolution for a more liquid and smooth sound. My Luxman DAC gives me that. Some of the Lampizator DAC's that I have heard do the same. I also use Bug Head Infinity Blade music player. The newer versions have a setting called Natural Sound that is great for older or bright recordings. It takes out digital harshness and gives a more liquid and analog sound. Bug Head is a little bit of a pain to use but it is well worth it and it is free. It sounds better than HQ player in my system by a wide margin and JRiver sounds like radio in comparison. You need a computer with a relatively new I-7 and at least 8gb ram, 16 is better to run the newer versions.
My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.
-
August 21, 2017, 07:29 PM #12
Re: My rant on things digital...
Rob
__________________________
Tascam BR-20; Technics 1506 with tape path upgrades, FM head, DeHavilland 222 tape head pre; Modwright Oppo 205 full tube mod w/LPS; Euphony Summus server, EtherRegen, HDPLEX LPS; MSB Discrete DAC (dual PS, ISLPro, balanced out); Pass Labs XP-12, XA60.8 (pair); Daedalus Audio Apollo 11’s, VMPS Larger Sub; Daedalus/Wywires, Acoustic Zen, Sablon Audio, Wireworld, Shunyata Research cables; Core Power Equi=Power;
Adona rack, Stillpoints, IsoPods, ASC, GIK Acoustics accessories
-
August 21, 2017, 08:17 PM #13
Re: My rant on things digital...
Bob -
I had the ARC DAC-8. A terrific performer with great bottom end but not the best top end. TAS' reviewed it with commentary that was not very positive. I purchased an Esoteric CD/SACD player with digital inputs and the AKM chipset. This change was positive in that I was able to enjoy a better high end extension without it being bright but the bottom end was not as good as the ARC.
About 3 years ago I purchased a Lumin S-1 and have not looked back. A darn good performer and simple to use.
In today's audio world, there are so many choices. I decided not to spend crazy money following the DAC "du jour". Simplicity, great sound and a price that is not in the stratosphere has been my digital plan.
Oh, yes, vinyl does sound better most of the time. Depends on the recording, of course.
My 2 pennies..._______________
Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
-
August 21, 2017, 09:17 PM #14
- Join Date
- Sep 2016
- Posts
- 901
Re: My rant on things digital...
Surprised you didn't mention the Vitus Signature series dac (with/w/out drive) Mike...to my ears the Mk2 version sounds very smooth, analogue-like & non-fatiguing, with very good bass. I would happily stack it up against the Berkeley.
As a pure streamer, I agree the Lumin A1 is a very cool device. For a server/dac/UPnP streamer the Alluxity Media One is also easy on the ears & follows a similar sonic pathway to Vitus.
-
August 21, 2017, 09:28 PM #15
Re: My rant on things digital...
Other than Munich, I haven't heard it. I would love to hear it.
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
August 21, 2017, 10:38 PM #16
- Join Date
- Sep 2016
- Posts
- 901
AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
12V is sufficient, and the LHY power supply Adam recommended is an excellent power supply.
Nucleus one